Phyllis Mailot

Phyllis Ann (Chippi) Mailot, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully at her home on October 3, 2026.

Phyllis was born on March 27, 1937, to Mike and Doris (Van Dyke) Chippi of Derwent, Ohio. She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1954 and later worked at March Electric in Cambridge, Ohio, for several years.

It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Mailot. They were married on October 19, 1968, beginning a beautiful marriage and a life centered around their family and God. Bob and Phyllis had seven children, and their family was the center of her world.

Phyllis devoted her entire life to being a wife and mother. She embodied the words of Proverbs 31—not simply in what she did, but in the way she lived. Her husband and children witnessed the countless sacrifices she made for them, never putting herself first. She was up before the sun caring for her family and often remained awake long after everyone else had gone to bed. Phyllis embodied selflessness and generosity. She was a silent guardian to those in need, often giving anonymously. She had a protective nature and a soft heart for those with special needs and those experiencing hardships.

She found joy in caring for her family and making their house a warm and welcoming home. She poured her heart into everything she did, from preparing meals and keeping her home in order, to making sure everyone was cared for and had what they needed. She especially loved preparing the Slovak foods of their heritage, filling her family’s home with the familiar aromas, traditions, and comforts that became treasured memories. For Phyllis, caring for her family was never simply something she had to do, it was one of the greatest ways she expressed her love. Her greatest legacy and proudest earthly achievement was raising her six children.

Phyllis was kind, but she was also sassy. She was gentle, but she knew when her children needed a firm word. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and you never quite knew what she might say. She could make her family laugh with a simple comment or one of her unforgettable expressions. But perhaps the greatest lessons she gave her children were not spoken at all. They learned by watching her. They learned what sacrifice looked like. They learned what faithfulness looked like. They learned how to serve others, how to care for family, and how to love without expecting anything in return.

Phyllis was a devoted Catholic and was married at Holy Trinity Church in Byesville, Ohio, where she remained a member until the church’s closing. She then became a member of Christ Our Light Parish in Cambridge. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her faith was evident not only in the words she spoke but in the life she lived. She was a true servant of Christ, showing her love for Him through her willingness to serve and care for others. Phyllis had a deep and humble faith that was reflected in the quiet way she lived her life. She possessed the kind of godly humility that is so often missing in the world today. She did not seek recognition for all that she did. She simply loved, served, and gave of herself. Her family knew the depth of those sacrifices, and they will carry the lessons of her life with them always.

She enjoyed listening to George Strait and old country music, and she especially loved listening to Elvis Presley sing old gospel hymns. Music brought her comfort and joy, but her greatest joy was always her family. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: cooking, baking, watching game shows, following her favorite NFL and NBA teams, enjoying a good Western, and rewatching her absolute favorite Hallmark Movie (Crown for Christmas). You could rarely find Phyllis without a pie, cookies, or a sweet treat nearby, which she insisted on sharing with anyone who walked through her door.

Phyllis also carried a deep love for her husband, Bob. After his passing, she missed him dearly for the next 30 years. She never stopped loving him, and she looked forward to the day when she would see him again. Now, after a lifetime of faith and a heart that never forgot the man she loved, she has finally been reunited with her beloved Bob.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Mailot; her parents, Mike and Doris Chippi; her dear brother, Charles “Chuck” Chippi; her infant son, Michael Phillip; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

She leaves behind her six beloved children: Brian (Angela) Mailot of Adamsville; Deborah (Brad) Reaman of Dayton; Lisa (Brian) McGlone of Pataskala; Mark (Amy) Mailot of Plain City; Amy (Aaron) Rochus of Cumberland; and Susan (Chris) Hunter of Cambridge.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved and of whom she was incredibly proud: Brandon (Preslie) Reaman, Cameron Reaman, Aidan (Ana) Reaman, Nathan McGlone, Owen McGlone, Camey (Marquan) Ekis, Ayla Mailot, Faith Rochus, Tatiana Rochus, Alexis Hunter, Lindsay Rochus, Alisha (Adrian) Heavrin, and Wyatt Rochus; her great-grandchildren: Carsyn, Addison, Rylee, Aspen, Evy, Silas, James, Sarah, Maxleigh, Wyatt, and Acelyn. Her children and grandchildren were among the greatest blessings of her life, and the love she poured into them will continue through the generations to come.
She is also survived by her sisters, Judy Rowlands, and Virginia Chippi; her brother, Micheal Chippi; her brother-in-law, Gene Mailot; and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and longtime neighbors and friends.

Though her family will miss her beyond words, they find comfort knowing that the woman who spent so many years caring for everyone else has finally been called home. Phyllis accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She has finished her earthly work, and she is now at peace, reunited with the husband she loved and welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord she faithfully served.

Visitation will be held on Friday (October 9, 2026) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Black-Epperson Funeral Home, Byesville, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Additional visitation will take place on Saturday (October 10, 2026) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Christ Our Light Parish – St. Benedict Catholic Church, Cambridge. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately following at 12 p.m. with Fr. Nicholas Ginnetti and Fr. Robert Borer officiating.

Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Byesville.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Tom and Michelle Regan of the Pleasant City Volunteer Fire Department for their years of compassionate medical care and support, which will never be forgotten.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com